Dangerous incidents at UK laboratories ‘potentially exposed staff to Covid’

A virologist preparing a solution at Porton Down, where an infected ferret bit through a scientist’s clothing. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

Dangerous incidents at UK laboratories, hospitals and Covid test centres potentially exposed staff to coronavirus and other hazards over the course of the pandemic, according to official reports obtained by the Guardian.

Many involved leaks and spillages of virus-laden fluids, but investigations also took place into a flood at an animal facility housing Covid-infected monkeys, mix ups that led scientists to work on live virus by mistake and a researcher being bitten by an infected ferret.